Alessi studied her intently, his gaze unwavering as she genuinely approached her reasons for choosing to work at The Red Door. Every so often, he would nod in agreement, playing the role of being fully immersed in her calm yet confident delivery and showing genuine interest in her every word. He didn't know what it was…but something about Natalia’s overall way of appearing and the way she spoke to him made Less almost hesitant to keep going on with the conversation. If this young woman was of any importance to The Scarlet Syndicate, Less would have to go through with what he had sworn by when he first entered his father's business at sixteen.

He straightened subtly in the chair he was seated in, tsking a sort of chuckle at her question. Well, he knew this question had to be coming up sometime- his brows furrowed for a moment, like he was in some sort of thought process, his lips pursing slightly as well before answering.

“Well, I work for my father. He's the head of a trade and exchange industry, quite big- so he's a top earner. I started working for him at sixteen so I’ve been able to rise financially from there."

All of the information appeared to be entirely truthful at first glance. However, the truth was more detailed; there were layers to it that remained concealed, known only to Less. During his time with The Scarlet Syndicate, Less had exercised caution in disclosing certain details to those outside the organization. This carefulness stemmed from a past incident that had echoed throughout the criminal underworld. It was an important event that took place two years into his service under his father's leadership, sparked by personal involvement. The core issue revolved around a betrayal of trust, as Less had revealed his partner's infidelity. Emotions ran high, tensions escalated, and boundaries were crossed. Alessi's response, although driven by betrayal, could be seen as excessive in retrospect. Nonetheless, the consequences of this incident threatened to escalate into an all-out conflict between The Scarlet Syndicate and a rival mafia family. In this delicate moment, Less's father stepped in, skillfully maneuvering through the dangerous world of underground politics to avert a larger crisis. Although not all issues were resolved perfectly, the situation had been calmed enough to maintain a surface-level equilibrium in the turbulent criminal environment. The reminders of that incident served as a warning to Less about the perils hidden beneath the facade of everyday interactions, prompting him to stay alert in his engagements, ever aware of the shadowy intrigues that shaped their world.

“What would your father have wanted you to do if you had ended up staying off of this particular work? Was there someone he would have wanted you to work for? He also sounds quite the higher end, as you mentioned inheritance… I apologize if I’m assuming, but would he have wanted you to work for himself?”

He had managed to acquire a substantial amount of information through a series of concise inquiries. However, Alessi realized that Marcus needed to be brought into the loop; Less's mind struggled to piece together the clues necessary to identify the mysterious girl. It was evident that assistance was required. Nevertheless, Alessi reasoned that a couple of more casually phrased questions, innocent in nature, would be a harmless addition to their investigative efforts. After all, any additional insights gathered through these friendly interactions could potentially pave the way for a breakthrough in the case. So, despite the initial progress made, it was crucial to involve Marcus for his analytical prowess and insight, as Alessi's cognitive limitations necessitated collaborative assistance in deciphering the girl's identity. Thus, Alessi contemplated the significance of further probing and interaction, understanding that a collaborative effort would be instrumental in unraveling the mystery surrounding the elusive girl. In this way, Alessi embarked on a course of action that intertwined meticulous observation with strategic dialogue, aware that such a comprehensive approach was imperative in bringing clarity to the situation at hand.

Natalia listened to his words intently, genuinely seeming to set her attention to him and listen unlike most would do. As he spoke, her lips kept that soft smile, her eyes seeming to glint just for a moment as she watched his deep blue pools. She rested her chin gently against her hand that propped itself against the table. Once he explained she maintained eye contact, keeping herself drawn in.

“Sixteen?” She exclaimed softly, “that is quite impressive. I mean I worked for my family winery when I was that young but dealing with trades and exchange? I could never. I’m definitely not smart enough for those numbers” she said with another chuckle.

This was quite amusing honestly, finally having a real conversation with someone. She listened to his next question, the mention of her fathers wants causing her to spin her rings again, the golden bands around her ring finger slightly warped from the years of that movement. She loved her father dearly, but ever since the tragic passing of her mother and brother, he had just wanted so much from her that she did not want to give.

“Oh do not apologize, I do not mind. My father is a stern man. He loves me dearly and wants what’s best, but it’s in his eyes. He’s a very traditional man, it’s how he was raised and my family, Italian traditions. He works for some major banking industry, managing thousands of banks across the states as well as our family winery back home. For years he’s wanted me to work for a branch or government, or anything that a ‘respectable woman’ would do, not some bartender at a club” she began to explain, the corners of her mouth dropping ever so slightly.

She sighed faintly as she sat back up, brushing a few strands away. “I still remember one of our fights when he heard I’d be working here, “An Amati Woman does not serve the community, she builds them.” She said with a small chuckle. Little did Natalia know what she had just revealed to the man in front of her. The wolf that had been sitting right in front of his sheep, inches from the prey he had been sent to capture. She continued on, her expressions soft as if she had no clue what she was doing. Did she know? Did she have any clue that her father was this torturous killer that Alessi’s family had been butting heads with for years?

How was this sweet girl anywhere related to that man?

The start of Natalia’s information on her father was exceedingly relatable. Alessi had grown up with his parents having a very similar outlook on life, much like what Natalia was now describing about her own experiences. Apparently having a strict and traditional Italian family was another thing the two had in common. As a male in The Scarlet Syndicate, however, Alessi had some flexibility on what he wanted to do as he got older. His older brother, Lorenzo, had decided he didn't want to be a part of his father's business and Aurelio Caballero had accepted Enzo’s proposal to start a new life somewhere else- with his now fiance, Elizabeth. Less’s father had also brought up subtle hints that he could feel comfortable leaving them and the business if Alessi found something else important to confide in.

Though Alessi had made it quite clear to his father that he wanted to stay in the family business, there always seemed to be space just in case he ever wanted to leave. Which was nice… he supposed. The young man didn't like the feeling that The Scarlet Syndicate didn't necessarily need him and it had angered him greatly when his father absentmindedly explained that he could be easily replaced if Less did ever decide to leave. And that’s why Alessi Caballero is now here. In The Red Door. Sitting across from a potential advocate to take back to his father to prove just how much he couldn't be replaced. You could easily say that Alessi felt the need to prove himself where proof wasn't especially needed.

The young woman's so-called “quotes” had brought him back from looking at a pillar right behind Natalia to her face and eventually her gaze. The sentence had almost flown over the man’s head because he wasn't paying complete attention. But alas, it hadn't. At first, Alessi had thought he misheard the girl- but quickly pulled together the pieces that a matter of fact, no, he hadn't misheard anything. An Amati. Of course- how hadn't he noticed it before? The expensive and well-tailored dress and shoes she wore, the frequent mentionings of Italian heritage and wealth, as well as inheritance… how could he have been so daft? She was probably higher ranked as well, just because of those things. While internally scolding himself, Alessi’s outer appearance didn't change into shock or anything of the sort- maybe a little tense around the shoulder area, but that wouldn't be particularly suspicious. The Amatis were a widely known mafia family, so of course somebody having mentioned it so abruptly may cause a slight tension.

His face softened, cocking his head slightly to the left as he noticed the faint fall of her sweet smiling expression.

“Well- I personally think you're wonderful at your current job, so-”

He shrugged, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips before he slowed, leaning back- his lips slightly parted. And after a moment of quiet, he spoke up again.

“Hey so uhm- would you be free to like, get dinner after your shift? Unless you've eaten already of course, but I know this absolutely divine restaurant that serves the best Italian cuisine. It’d be my treat.”

Natalia spun her ring as she realized how much she had just dumped upon this strange man, hell she didn’t even know his name yet. She was a talker, especially when there was someone who would listen to her. Her smile returned once more as he complimented her and her occupation, her eyes slipping back up as she gave a small chuckle, “Two easy drinks were enough to win you over?” She teased softly, sitting up a bit. Her eyes slipped over him once more, noticing the slight twitch in his shoulders as he had tensed for a moment, but she played it off as nerves, especially at his next question.

Dinner. Would she like to go to dinner?

Her heart thrummed for a moment, an unfamiliar feeling coursing through her veins. Her nerves began to take hold once again, her eyes slipping from his as she thought. She could hear her father once again in the back of her mind, don’t trust strangers, especially men. She was tired of it though, tired of hiding behind a wall of nerves to stay safe. In her mind she spoke to herself “Fuck it, have fun”.

She chuckled softly before looking back to him, “Normally I don’t let strangers take me out, especially when I don’t even know their name” she began, her eyes looking back to him. “But I guess I could make an exception.” She added with a smile.

Natalia glanced at the time, “I have about 3 hours left, but I’m sure I could get off early” she said. “My co-worker owes me anyway.” She added. Her heart raced, the thrill of doing something she was not used to taking over. Carefully she stood, her smile only growing. “I’ll go talk to her, and I’ll meet you outside.” she said.

After their conversation, Natalia had played it off as if she was getting another drink for Alessi, slipping downstairs to the bar. Quickly she pulled Veronica to the side and into the hall, explaining what had happened and how Alessi was taking her out to eat after. Veronica was ecstatic for her, of course offering to cover the rest of her shift. Veronica practically shoved Natalia into the break room to gather her things.

“I’ll tell the manager you're sick and need to go, now go have fun!”

Natalia thanked her graciously before gathering her items. Quickly she touched up on her perfume and lipstick, running her hand through a few curls. She radioed to the security to let Alessi and his group know and soon she was out the door. Natalia had walked straight into the trap, so naive and vulnerable. He may have thought she was a part of her fathers reign, but sadly she was just an innocent victim, her world and life about to crumble due to her wandering heart and mind.

Alessi nodded, an easy smile lingering on his face for a moment too long after Natalia started making her way down the stairs. After hearing her heels retreat all the way down the steps, Less rose from his seat- straightening out the cuffs of his sleeves as he turned and walked purposefully over to the table with the two other men sitting, their eyes following Less’s movements as he leaned against the booth, a cat-like grin plastered on his lips- showcasing his pearly whites.

“Well? From that smug little grin, I suppose you found something?”

Marcus’s gruff voice sounded from in front of Alessi, the middle-aged man was taking a puff of another cigarette. Shaking his head, his eyes locked onto the floor for a moment before looking back up with a quiet laugh.

“Natalia Amati.”

That is all Alessi said for a moment, letting the two men process the information.

Alessi looked between the two men before nodding,

“You two decide who doing what job, but whoever is coming with me needs to sneak out to the limo now. I have a date.”

-

The young man waited a couple of minutes after Marcus and Bailey had left, leaving Alessi alone…for now. After five or so minutes, he pushed off the wall and started his way down the steps to the first floor. Saying thanks to the security guard in the front of the VIP area, who nodded and wished Less a good night. Hopefully, that would prove to be true.

As he walked through the growing crowd of people flooding in, he made his excuses and said even saw a couple of familiar faces. Some he was alright with…others that he was most definitely not. Aka. his ex who was attending the nightclub with who Alessi perceived as her partner.

Alessi finally made it to the doors, walking out of the establishment into the cool breeze of the unsuspecting night. His head turned to the right to see Natalia waiting patiently.

“I got caught up in the crowd- but it is a popular spot, so Im not at all surprised… Shall we?”

Alessi held out his arm for her to take before strolling his way down the sidewalk and into the parking lot where his shiny black limousine was parked in one of the closer spots. He led her to the front seat side door, opening it and gesturing to the interior.

“Please, go ahead and have a seat.”

He spoke elegantly, his charming smile looking down on the young woman. He waited for her to get in before walking around the front of the vehicle and to the driver's seat where he opened the door, slid in, and shut the door behind him. Alessi shifted slightly, reaching into his back pocket to grab the car keys and turn them into the keyhole. Once it started up, the young man glanced at Natalia with a small smile before pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road.

“Well, then, I should probably introduce myself. My name is Alessi Lopez. Please feel free to call me Less. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms.Amati.”

His eyes mainly focused on the road, making sure to drive through town for a bit- one, to provide the comfort that the place they were going was probably nearby and two, because Less hadnt been in the actual town for a while so liked to take the scenic route.

Quietly Natalia waited outside the bustling building, her eyes glancing to all that passed by or waited in line. She pulled her coat around her shoulders, the slight night time breeze sending cold streams across her skin. Natalia glanced to her left as she heard the approaching footsteps followed by a familiar voice, her lips turning up into a smile. She turned to face him, watching as he extended his arm for her to take, only causing her smile to grow and her cheeks to brighten. She nodded as she followed by his side, wrapping her arm gently around his. As they made their way down the busy sidewalks and towards the parking lot, Natalia briefly glanced up towards Alessi. He was quite taller than her, his strong form towering over her delicate one. The streams of lights from the streets illuminated his features as she looked at him, highlighting his face. She looked back in front of them as they neared his vehicle, her nerves starting to take hold once again. Did she really want to get into a stranger’s car?

Before she could change her mind he spoke again, his husky voice charming her nerves away. She smiled in return as she slipped into the passenger seat carefully, setting her purse onto her lap before speaking, “Thank you”. She watched as he slipped to the driver’s side and took his seat, the engine coming to life as he turned the key in the ignition.

Natalia watched the red lights of the club begin to fade as the car lurched forward and onto the roads before them, soon pulling back to him as he spoke. Alessi Lopez, so that was her new acquaintance's name. She smiled softly before speaking, “It is a pleasure to meet such a gentleman, Mr. Lopez” She said in return, "Are you always this charming?" she added with a soft chuckle. The two were quiet for a moment, it was quite nice compared to the overwhelming noise that they had just experienced at the nightclub. Natalia soon spoke as Less focused on the roads ahead, navigating them through the town.
“So, what made you decide to take your waitress out to eat? Why not another patron of the club?” She questioned, glancing at him for a moment. Her lips still held her soft smile, curious to why he chose her and not someone else. The passing lights flickered across her golden orbs as she took in her surroundings. It had been some time since she had been to this part of town. Everything felt so normal, driving through the scenic streets to their destination, she had no clue where they were headed so there was no question if they were going the right way or not. Soon she would realize as they began to near their destination, though it was not the restaurant but a gas station.

Alessi's focus shifted from the road to Natalia as she began to speak, his attention briefly captured by her words. Her gentle compliment seemed to touch something deep within him, evoking a momentary look of curiosity and empathy before he redirected his gaze to the road, a soft smile lingering on his lips. In that fleeting moment, a feeling of guilt emerged within him, a hint of remorse nudging at his awareness regarding how he would have to approach this young woman. Natalia's innocence and sincere nature made him pause, producing a subtle ache of regret in his heart as he contemplated the effects of his actions on someone so genuine. Despite the gentle smile he maintained, a hint of reflection tinted his expression as he struggled with mixed emotions, caught between obligation and caring.

"I appreciate the compliment… I like to consider myself a person who honors his commitments. I take pride in being dependable and fulfilling my promises, as trust and integrity are important values to me."

Oh dear. No, they are not-

He listened intently to her next words, his smile widening but kept his eyes on the road ahead- something inside him begging himself not to look into those eyes again. He typically did not experience such a major sense of guilt. Could this persistent feeling be labeled as guilt? To be frank, Alessi felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, uncertain about his own decisions. He had acknowledged that this task was not essential beforehand, yet his intense urge to demonstrate his value to his father obscured his reasoning. Even if it risked harming another person's future, he could not rid himself of the overwhelming guilt tied to that notion. The struggle within him was distressing, and the ethical consequences burdened his conscience considerably. And the fact that this woman was actually so sweet made everything even worse…

“Well, for one- I have impeccable taste. So unless you're degrading yourself… I would take this as a compliment. Second, unless you haven't noticed- you're quite attractive. And seem so, so genuine. Which I can appreciate greatly in a woman.”

He spoke calmly, his tone even and sincere as he slowly veered off into the outside of the city. He stayed quiet for a while, and he soon noticed that his own nerves were skyrocketing quickly as they got to a place where it was mostly suburbs. Alessi fixed his furrowed brows before glancing at his car's gas levels, thankfully they were pretty low- he let out a frustrated sigh.

“I do apologize, I think we’re going to need to stop for gas soon. But we’re only a few minutes away from a gas station so we should get to the diner on time.”

He did seem to go the longer way, finding a route almost completely bare from other cars, perfect. And yes, he had passed a few other gas stations on the way to the specific station he was making his way to. The man stayed silent as he drove and so did whoever was in the very back of the limo as well. Very good.

But soon enough they pulled up into a smaller station- in the middle of nowhere… a couple of flickering lights were on the inside of the actual station and the smell of cigarette smoke filled the air as he pulled up to one of the gas pumps. Thankfully nobody else seemed to be here, except the store clerk- who Alessi could spot through the rusting glass window. He slipped out of the car, placing the gas pump in the car before popping his head into the car door window. His expression was oddly straight.

“Do excuse me- I need to get something from inside really quick. Sit tight,”

Alessi patted the car before strolling into the small, sketchy-looking station. He began to overthink but quickly decided that no- maybe she wouldn't be unsettled about a short stop somewhere. But again, she should be. It’d be common sense to be unsettled… he would need to get this done quickly and quietly.

Natalia’s slight concern of their travels was only pushed aside once again as her driver continued to hit one after another with charming words. Impeccable taste…Quite attractive…Genuine. Her heart felt as if wings were fluttering all around, her cheeks warming with heat. Her mind was foggy with adoration, clouding the nervous thoughts that tried to fight through. They were practically screaming that something was wrong, but they were drowned out, waves crashing out their voices. Natalia was shy when it came to compliments about herself, it always felt weird to hear them genuinely and not just some drunken man spilling them.

Natalia had been looking down to her hands, spinning her rings after his compliment, trying to come up with words to say.

“It is useless to lie and fake who you are, it is too much work to keep up the act. I choose to be genuine as it is effortless, it shows the true soul.” She explained softly, “I’d like to continue to have a peaceful life, live it how I please and not be full of lies.” She added with a small chuckle. Oh how her world would be changing. How she was sitting beside someone who was the opposite of her values.

Natalia looked over to him as he explained they needed gas, nodding and saying it was alright. Though with each passing minute and gas station, her worries began to peak through to her. She began to spin her ring more, her brows furrowing ever so slightly until they pulled into the vacant station. Why had they gone so out of the way? As he excused herself she nodded, watching as his form slipped into the sketchy store. Her heart began to pick up in speed, this didn’t feel right anymore.

Reaching into her purse she pulled out her phone, “Shit” she said to herself as she realized she had never turned it back on from work. It felt like centuries but soon the screen lit up her features as she swiped to get to the keypad to call.

Seconds later she heard a movement behind her, and before she could react a hand reached over to grab her. She screamed, her voice echoing through the open window as she tried to move away from the assailant. Another hand reached forward and pulled her shoulder back, slipping a soaked cloth over her face. She clawed at the man's hands, her nails digging into their skin hard enough to leave marks and pull blood through the surface. Her mind grew foggy, her vision blurring as the chemical kicked into her system. She tried to fight, tried to force herself to stay awake. She couldn't succumb, she couldn’t lose or it could mean her life. Her screams silenced through the fabric, her tense form drooping as sleep took over. She had no fight left in her moments later, her body dropping against the door beside her. Darkness was all that her mind could see, not knowing if this was real. She was at the mercy of her kidnappers now, there was nothing she could do.

Alessi had been picking through the drink and frozen aisle before he found what he was looking for- two bottles of Amber Lager beer, he had also had time to quickly grab a bag of chips before he decided he shouldn't leave Natalie outside alone for too much longer… Less walked up to the cashier, an older man with a scruffy white beard and headphones in the music so loud that the black-haired man could hear it from a couple of feet away. That couldn't be good for you. Alessi placed the items on the counter and as the old man took them to scan, he took a moment to glance up at Less- his brows furrowed ever so slightly but he didn't say a word as Alessi swiped his card. There was a sudden ear-piercing scream that echoed through the outside area of the gas station, which was then cut off and drained out. Alessi’s shoulders tensed and his hand slowly went to the Hollister that was in a lower pocket of his jacket, his eyes trailing up slowly only to be surprised that the older man hadn't been bothered at all and was now nodding his head to a louder song. His hand dropped from the gun and instead reached out to grab the items he had paid for, nodding once the the bearded store clerk before walking briskly out the doors of the station store.

The first thing Alessi noticed was the slumped body in the front seat. Natalia… He froze for a moment- his eyes narrowed before he walked up to the woman's door, opened it, and practically snarled his next words, his face forming into something of disapproval.

“Get her out of the front seat and into the back, you better hope nobody drove by… God- you're lucky that the old man inside was blasting his music and couldn't hear anything.”

Bailey crawled out of the back seat where Alessi assumed he had been cramped in uncomfortably this entire time. Less bent further into the front seat, one of his arms positioned on the back of Natalia’s shoulder blades and his other arm slipping under her knees before he scooped her swiftly out of the seat. He turned to the brown hair man and gestured for him to open the last door of the limo,

“You’re in charge of making sure she doesn't wake up on the drive to the manor. I’ll take her inside once we get there, but I need you to inform my father that the guest suite will be accompanied by Ms.Amati and that she will not be disturbed by anyone but myself or the girls.”

In other words; himself or the family maids.

Alessi explained with an eerily calm tone as he placed her surprisingly gently into the back seat, he stood back and waited for Bailey to get into the back seat as well before he slammed the door shut. Less unplugged the gas filler and placed it back in the machine, paying for the gas before sliding back into the front seat and starting the car up again.

-

It had been a fairly quick trip to the Caballero family's manor. The property was vast, woods surrounded the grounds of the actual building which spread out for 50,000 acres or so. There were multiple different areas to take note of on the property; a large greenhouse, a stable for the family horses as well as trails and an indoor arena, multiple large lakes, and a large garden that is located in the back of the actual manor. Alessi had driven the long path up to the large, four-story brick building- parking on one of the smaller side parking lots. There was a white Mercedes parked next to him as well, his sister's car- how wonderful… A small sneer planted itself on his face, oh how Aria would love to know what was happening.

Thankfully it was pretty late, looking at his watch it read 12:37 PM, so most of his family would be asleep. Alessi nodded a small thanks to Bailey and wished him a good night, reminding him to arrive tomorrow afternoon for a meeting with Less’s father, which he himself was also attending. Carrying Natalia inside the house was actually quite easy, nobody glanced his way unless to say their hellos and good evenings to the young man. He had gone up the spiral staircase to the second floor where one of the many guest bedrooms was, deciding on one of the largest to assign Natalia to. The medicine would wear off in the morning so Alessi didn't bother doing much except placing the young woman on the room queen sized bed. His eyes looked upon her sleeping form for a moment too long before he turned on his heel and exited the room.

“Tabitha- there is a young woman staying with us in the room I just left, please change her into a clean nightgown and bring her fresh clothes tomorrow and inform me when she wakes. Do not let her leave.”

Alessi spoke in hushed tones with one of the younger maids of the house who nodded calmly, a calm expression on her face.

“Of course, sir. I’ll get started on that now.”

Alessi nodded to her before heading to his own room, at the very end of the second-floor hall. The same hall Natalie was staying in at the moment… Oh, what a night it had been- the young man needed to sleep. And worry about tomorrow… well, tomorrow. He couldn't be bothered with that right now.

Darkness was all that filled the woman’s mind. No sight, no sound, nothing. It felt as if she had slipped into a deep void, her body floating in nothing. The chemical was a strong dose, enough to keep her out for hours. She felt and heard nothing as she was transported to the Caballero’s home. Her body laid limp the whole time, her small frame lifeless in the back seat of the kidnapper’s vehicle. Alessi had been careful with her although she would never know, when she would wake all she would know was she was drugged and stolen by some man she trusted too much in too little time.

Natalia was carefully brought to a large bedroom, being placed carefully on the bed before Alessi informed a maid of her arrival. The maid acted as if this was normal, not even batting an eye at the imprisoned woman. She did as she was told and left to care for the woman. She entered the room after grabbing some needed items, carefully stripping Natalia of her work clothes and into a comfortable silk nightgown. She warmed a washcloth with hot water and removed her makeup as well before slipping her under the covers. She brought a glass of water and some painkillers for any headache, leaving it on the nightstand, and even brought fresh clothes as well. Just something simple, a plain t-shirt and sweatpants. Once the guest was settled in, Tabitha retreated to her room for the night, locking the door behind her so Natalia could not exit. Natalia slept quietly that night, her body not moving as the darkness faded to dreams, maybe all of this was a dream.

When morning came, the sun slowly started to peak its rays over the horizon. The light slowly filtered through the curtains into the room, lighting up the interior. Natalia slowly started to wake, her head pounding with a ferocious force. She felt sick, her head spinning as her blurry eyes began to flick open. She was still barely awake until the door sound with a sharp *click*. Tabitha entered, a small smile on her lips as she held a tray of breakfast. Natalia quickly woke then, her body tense, eyes wide in fear. She looked at herself noticing her clothes had been changed, she looked around the room at the unfamiliar sight.

“Who are you?! Get away!” She yelled as she scrambled to get off the bed.

“I wouldn't…” Tabitha began, trying to warn her. Natalia went to stand, her legs collapsing from under her. Her body hadn’t yet gained its full sense back, her legs hitting harshly on the wooden floors below.

“Get away!” Natalia yelled again, her slender fingers snatching the first thing she could grab, the lamp. She threw it at the woman before her, Tabitha quickly dodging the item but losing hold of the tray, the contents spilling. Quickly she turned and slipped out the door as Natalia went to toss the small alarm clock that sat upon the nightstand as well. Her heart pounded like it never had before, her breath shaky, tears forming in her wide eyes. She was terrified.

Tabitha quickly rushed down the hallway, frantically knocking on Alessi’s door. “Sir! Your guest has awoken, she is quite panicked.” She said. More crashing could be heard from down the hall, Natalia tossing whatever she could at the windows. Of course they were enforced, the glass not budging. She had gotten feeling in her legs, grabbing the lamp once again to try her best to break through. Her mouth went dry as she tried to gain her breath, her body in pure fight or flight mode.